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Adaptations
-
form
y
The Broken Melody
The Vagabond Violinist
( dir. Ken G. Hall
)
Sydney
:
Cinesound Productions
,
1938
Z1418090
1938
single work
film/TV
Loosely based on the novel by Australian author F. J. Thwaites, The Broken Melody concerns John Ainsworth, a talented violinist and university teacher whose life and career begin to spiral out of control in the aftermath of a nightclub brawl. He eventually becomes penniless, and without any prospect of employment is forced to drift about Sydney as a vagabond. After he prevents an equally impoverished girl, Ann, from attempting suicide, she encourages him to begin playing his violin again. He then progresses from busking on street corners to playing in a cabaret club, where he eventually comes to the attention of a French entrepreneur. Ainsworth is sent to England where he finds success and fame as a conductor and composer. He later returns to Australia in order to tour his own opera. One night, the company's fiery soprano refuses to sing and her understudy is rushed on stage. It is Ann, whom John instantly recognises, and thus the pair are happily reunited.
Although the film is essentially a 'high drama,' Ken G. Hall infused the narrative with occasional light comic touches, in addition to moments of deliberate sentimentality (including [for example] a death-bed reunion between John and his dying father). Much of the comedic moments fell to veteran variety artist Alec Kellaway who played Joe, a genial pickpocket.
- form y The Broken Melody 1961 Z1418753 1961 series - publisher radio play
Notes
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Dedication : I Dedicate this Book
to the one who instilled into my heart my love of country, and by so doing, gave me the inspiration to write
My GRAN
and to the one who fought through the grim battle of life with a smile, facing her great adversity like a Godly woman, yet still maintained that splendid spirit to win
MY MOTHER -
Also made into a film and a radio serial.
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Other Formats
- Also braille.
Works about this Work
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More Australian Publishing
1933
single work
column
— Appears in: All About Books , 12 September vol. 5 no. 9 1933; (p. 151) Grim praises N.S.W. Bookstall's efforts in promoting Australian literature and for also "catering for the market so abhorred by literary snobs". -
Untitled
1931
single work
review
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 28 January vol. 52 no. 2659 1931; (p. 5)
— Review of The Broken Melody 1930 single work novel
-
Untitled
1931
single work
review
— Appears in: The Bulletin , 28 January vol. 52 no. 2659 1931; (p. 5)
— Review of The Broken Melody 1930 single work novel -
More Australian Publishing
1933
single work
column
— Appears in: All About Books , 12 September vol. 5 no. 9 1933; (p. 151) Grim praises N.S.W. Bookstall's efforts in promoting Australian literature and for also "catering for the market so abhorred by literary snobs".
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cAustralia,c
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cEngland,ccUnited Kingdom (UK),cWestern Europe, Europe,